Chocolate Walnut Energy Bars

Sometimes you feel like a nut. Walnuts that is; a great fitness food for your brain.

Previously we’ve discussed on these pages the need for life balance. Seems I’ve enjoyed an excess of indulgence and not enough control. And, one has to look in those wedding photo’s, ya know! What’s a person with a well trained sweet tooth to do?

These Chocolate Walnut Energy Bars are made from wholesome ingredients. Oats, honey, walnuts, egg whites. They deliver a powerful protein punch incorporating chocolate whey protein powder. Kinda of like a brownie – but not. I wanted something to satisfy and help keep those nagging chocolate cravings at bay while keeping me on target for suggested weight loss.

Based on a 20 bar yield per pan each bar delivers approximately 196 calories, 12.5 g protein,15.5 g carbs,9.5 g fat. The bars are very portable and come in handy when a quick healthier snack option is on the menu. Now, lets get real. I shudder to think anyone might confuse these with those luscious, rich, frosted, 600 empty calorie bakery brownies. But for the record I’m into full disclosure so I can tell you they are not like that at all. They are sweet and chocolaty and a tad drier than their bakery counter parts. The biggest positive is their nutritional powerhouse ingredients ability to fill you up and stave off hunger.

Combine peanut butter and honey and mix to combine well. If your kitchen is particularly cold you may want to nuke the peanut butter to soften slightly.

Add in the egg and egg white and mix well to incorporate. Stir in the protein powder and salt - mixture will become thick and sticky. With mixer running on low gradually add in milk to combine. Mix in the oats until combined scraping down bowl as necessary. Mixture will be thick and sticky.

Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread from side to side evenly. A greased offset spatula works well here. Sprinkle walnuts evenly over top, then press down lightly on walnuts.

Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 5 min in pan then remove to cooling rack to cool completely. Cut into 18, 20, or 24 squares. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until ready for consumption.